How to play Xilonen in Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is infamous for its incomprehensible ability descriptions, and the new character Xilonen takes this wordiness to the next level. If you don’t want to spend an evening reading the novel that makes up her kit, here’s a quick run-down on how to play Xilonen as both a support and DPS. You’re welcome.

Is Xilonen a DPS or support?

Xilonen’s kit enables her to function as either an on-field DPS or an off-field support. Despite this flexibility, Xilonen is far more effective as a support than a DPS. You can still play Xilonen as an on-field DPS, but I recommend obtaining at least Constellation 2 and a 5-star CRIT weapon if you choose to go this route. 

DPS Xilonen uses different combos than support Xilonen. Scroll down to the relevant section based on how you want to play her.

How to play support Xilonen

As an off-field support, Xilonen requires a team with at least two characters that are Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo. This team element requirement is critical since it significantly alters how Xilonen functions. You can see whether your team qualifies by using Xilonen’s Skill and looking at the colors of the three triangles next to her Nightsoul meter. Only one triangle is allowed to be yellow. If at least two triangles are orange, blue, purple, or light blue, then your team will work with Xilonen.

Once you have your team, you need to figure out your rotation. Xilonen should take the field before your on-field DPS in order to activate her buffs. Switch to Xilonen, use her Burst, then Skill, then two Normal Attacks. After two Normal Attacks, her Nightsoul meter should fill up and disappear. If your combo is interrupted, you may need an additional Normal Attack to fill up the meter, since it passively drains over time.

Xilonen’s Burst heals the on-field character over time, and filling up the Nightsoul meter activates her debuffs. After you’ve finished her Normal Attacks, you can switch Xilonen for your on-field DPS, who will then deal increased damage and enjoy some healing.

How to play DPS Xilonen

I don’t recommend building Xilonen as a DPS unless you’re either a whale or just really dedicated. Her damage isn’t amazing for a 5-star, but it’s still good enough for most content. For reference, in similar teams, my DPS C0 Xilonen with Uraku Misugiri does about 20-30% more damage than my C6 Noelle with Redhorn Stonethresher. Your results may vary.

DPS Xilonen requires at least two Geo teammates. I recommend Gorou and either Albedo or Chiori. If you lack any of those, Navia, Zhongli, and Yun Jin are also potential options. Once you have your team set up, try using Xilonen’s Skill. At least two of the triangles next to her Nightsoul meter should be yellow.

Having two Geo teammates changes how Xilonen’s kit functions. Instead of Normal Attacks filling up her Nightsoul meter, the meter will constantly drain over time. Since Xilonen’s Normal Attacks deal increased Geo damage while her Skill is active, they will be her main source of damage.

To play Xilonen as an on-field DPS, first rotate through your supports to set up their abilities. Then, switch to Xilonen and use her Burst, then Skill. Follow up with as many Normal Attacks as you can before her Nightsoul meter completely drains. This will usually be three sets of four Normal Attack combos, for a total of 12 hits.